2/7/2012

Proceeds to benefit four of the world’s leading environmental organizations

New York/London/Hong Kong – Christie’s International, the
world’s leading art business, is pleased to announce the third annual Green
Auction: BID to Save the Earth, to be hosted by Christie’s at Rockefeller Center
on April 11, 2012, just two weeks before Earth Day. A world-class companion
auction powered by charitybuzz will run online from March 29 to April 19. The
Green Auction is a borderless collaboration of individuals, organizations, and
businesses who are engaged, in spirit and action, in the protection and
conservation of the environment. Initiated in 2010 by Christie’s, the
star-studded affair is expected to raise significant proceeds for four of the
world’s leading environmental nonprofits – Oceana, Conservation International (CI), Central Park Conservancy (CPC), and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) –
specifically to benefit water-conservation projects central to each
organization.

“Christie’s is delighted to again host the Green Auction: BID to Save the
Earth – fulfilling our commitment to help raise crucial funds and awareness for
the preservation of our planet’s precious resources,” said Steven P. Murphy,
Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s International. “By partnering with four
globally renowned and respected not-for-profits, we are honored to help serve as
a catalyst in such an endearing effort.”

The 2012 Green Auction, generously supported by JW Marriott, will be
co-chaired by Graydon and Anna Carter, James R. Hedges IV, François-Henri
Pinault and Salma Hayek, and David and Susan Rockefeller, with a live musical
performance by Grace Potter of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and overall
support from a host committee comprised of New York’s most influential
environmentalists, celebrities and philanthropists. FENDI will also be a
supporting sponsor. Following an exclusive cocktail reception presented by Grey
Goose® Vodka, the live auction will offer attendees the opportunity to purchase
rare, one-of-a-kind fantasy lots – which in past years have included
opportunities to: enjoy a day with President Clinton; experience the ultimate
treatment at the Oscars®; and sit from row at the Chanel Couture shows in Paris.

The online auction administered by charitybuzz will add hundreds of
once-in-a-lifetime packages spanning the worlds of entertainment, fashion,
travel, art and more to the lineup, accessible to anyone in the world via http://www.Charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth. This
year’s highlights include: A Mercedes Benz Fashion Week experience; a one-week
paid Global Marketing & Communications internship with DKNY; a five-night
stay in an over-beach villa in the Maldives; a Girard-Perregaux watch and
more!

“We must all take responsibility to protect the natural world for future
generations,” said co-chair Susan Rockefeller. “Everyone can help support
Christie’s Green Auction, which delivers a global message about the relevance
and necessity to take action and participate in conserving the planet’s precious
and finite resources.”

The choice to focus this year’s theme on water stemmed from each
organization’s notion that water is the source of life, and there are simple
methods anyone can follow to play a part in preserving it. The goal of the
Green Auction is to raise awareness and funds for the large-scale earth-saving
initiatives programmed by each non-profit, as well as to demonstrate how easy it
can be to act green in everyday routines.

“Our ocean waters, which cover 70% of this blue planet, are hovering on the
brink of an irreversible collapse, with 90% of the ocean’s big fish gone,” said
Andrew Sharpless, Chief Executive Officer of Oceana. “This means an
irreplaceable source of food and protein for over a billion people today – and
potentially billions more in the future. Luckily, history and science show us
that our oceans can rebound if we put in place and enforce sensible
policies.”

“Clean and plentiful water is our most precious resource, and we need to
treat it as such,” said Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources
Defense Council. “As we enter the 21st century, swelling demand and changing
climate patterns are draining rivers and aquifers, and pollution is threatening
the quality of what remains. We need to start implementing smart water solutions
today, to ensure we’re sustaining, not wasting, this invaluable resource.”

"Central Park is home to 150 acres of water bodies, and water conservation is
an important part of the Conservancy’s history of successful Park restoration,"
adds Doug Blonsky, President of the Central Park Conservancy. “We're more
conscientious about how we use water than ever before - and whether you live in
or outside of New York City, there are easy, cost-efficient changes that anyone
can adopt to help save our planet.”

"Human beings have always had a strong tie to water, as most of the world's
global population lives near a body of water,” said Dr. Greg Stone, Senior
vice-president and chief scientist for oceans at Conservation International.
“The oceans in particular provide us with irreplaceable benefits; improving
their health will be imperative as we prepare to provide for 9 billion people,
up from the current 7 billion, on Earth by the middle of this century."

To garner added attention around the Green movement, Christie’s will also be
launching its interactive “BID to Save the Earth” campaign. Beginning February
6, environmental advocates can visit Facebook.com/ABidtoSavetheEarth to enter
the “My BID to Save the Earth” video contest, which will offer applicants a
chance to win admission for two to the exciting event. Supporters are also
invited to follow @bid2saveearth on Twitter for exclusive
announcements and updates, and to tweet with the hashtag #Bid2SaveEarth for
sharing easy tips on keeping green.

To date, the Green Auction has successfully raised nearly $5 million for its
four beneficiaries. We are also pleased to announce that the Green Auction will
be a carbon neutral event. As in past years, Christie’s will waive all fees
associated with the Green Auction. Those interested in sponsoring or
contributing to this charitable cause may contact Katelyn Norris at Christie’s.
To donate an experience or package to the online auction, please email greenauction@charitybuzz.com. For
additional information on the LIVE and online auctions, visit http://www.bidtosavetheearth.org/.

About Conservation InternationalBuilding upon a strong
foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, CI empowers
societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global
biodiversity, for the long term well-being of people. Founded in 1987 and
marking its 25th anniversary in 2012, CI has headquarters in the Washington DC
area, and 900 employees working in nearly 30 countries on four continents, plus
1,000+ partners around the world. For more information, please visit at www.conservation.org, or on Facebook or Twitter.

About Christie’sChristie’s, the world's
leading art business had global auction and private sales in the first half of
2011 that totaled £2.0 billion/$3.2 billion. In 2010 it achieved global auction
and private sales of £3.3 billion/$5.0 billion. Christie’s is a name and place
that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as
international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted
the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a
popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450
sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative
arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from
$200 to over $100 million. Christie’s has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10
salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan,
Amsterdam, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market
with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China,
India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in
Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales
totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing
fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.

About NRDC The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
is an international nonprofit environmental organization that works to protect
people, the places they live and the natural resources we all depend on. Since
1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists, with the
support of our 1.3 million members and online activists, have worked to create
and enforce the bedrock environmental laws that have made our air, water and
land cleaner and healthier for communities across the world. NRDC has offices in
New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago,
Livingston, Montana, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org

About CPC The Central Park Conservancy’s mission is to
restore, manage, and enhance Central Park, in partnership with the public, for
the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Conservancy is a private,
not-for-profit organization, founded in 1980, that manages Central Park under a
contract with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Thanks to
the generosity of many individuals, corporations, and foundations, and the City
of New York, the Conservancy has invested more than $550 million to date in the
Park, making it a model for urban parks worldwide. The Conservancy raises more
than 85 percent of Central Park’s annual $42 million annual park-wide expense
budget and is responsible for all basic care of the park. www.centralparknyc.org

About OceanaOceana campaigns to protect and restore the
world’s oceans. Our teams of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and
advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to reduce pollution and to
prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other
sea life. Global in scope and dedicated to conservation, Oceana has campaigners
based in North America, Europe and South and Central America. More than 500,000
members and e-activists in over 150 countries have already joined Oceana. For
more information, please visit www.oceana.org.

About charitybuzzA leader in cause marketing,
charitybuzz aligns nonprofits with international brands and celebrity icons to
raise funds through innovative online auctions. Featuring pop culture
experiences, VIP events, luxury travel, fine art, couture fashion, coveted
internships, upscale merchandise and more, charitybuzz brings its online
community of socially conscious bidders exclusive opportunities to make a
difference. Since launching, charitybuzz has raised more than $50 million for
charities around the globe. To learn more, please visit www.charitybuzz.com, fan us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/charitybuzz or follow us
on twitter at www.twitter.com/charitybuzz.